Discovery Communications, Inc. (DCI) and its Discovery Films unit have acquired rights to DOX Productions' and Passion Films' IN THE SHADOW OF THE MOON. Discovery Films, the theatrical documentary unit of DCI, will have an equity interest in North American theatrical distribution, branding rights and exclusive North American television rights to the film. The announcement was made prior to the film's world premiere as part of the Sundance Film Festival's World Cinema Competition on Friday, January 19.

"IN THE SHADOW OF THE MOON captures a pivotal time in American history that touched and inspired the world," said Billy Campbell, president, Discovery Networks, U.S. "Incorporating drama, humor and the determination of the human spirit, IN THE SHADOW OF THE MOON is storytelling at its finest and a perfect addition to Discovery Films portfolio of groundbreaking productions."

Between 1968 and 1972, the world watched in awe each time an American spacecraft voyaged to the Moon. Only 12 American men walked upon its surface and they remain the only human beings to have stood on another world. Now for the first, and very possibly the last, time IN THE SHADOW OF THE MOON brings together surviving crew members from the Apollo missions to tell their stories in their own words.

IN THE SHADOW OF THE MOON interweaves visually stunning archive material from the original NASA film footage, much of it never before seen, with riveting first-hand testimony. Directed by award-winning filmmaker David Sington, IN THE SHADOW OF THE MOON is an intimate epic, which vividly communicates the daring and the danger, the pride and the passion of this extraordinary era in American history.

"All of us at DOX Productions feel immensely privileged to have spent time with the Apollo astronauts during the making of this film. They are true pioneers and genuine American heroes," said Sington.

IN THE SHADOW OF THE MOON features exclusive NASA film footage including astonishing space shots re-mastered from the original film rolls to reveal the Apollo program with a visual clarity and impact it has never had before. The mute 16mm rolls shot in Mission Control have been painstakingly lip-synced with the 16-track audio recordings of the mission controllers' voice loop to re-unite the pictures and sound of many historic moments for the first time, lending a striking immediacy to many dramatic scenes.

Discovery Films' IN THE SHADOW OF THE MOON is produced by DOX Productions in association with Passion Pictures. The film's producer is Duncan Copp with co-producer Chris Riley and executive producers Simon Andreae, John Battsek and Julie Goldman. Editor is David Fairhead with original music by Philip Sheppard. The agreement was negotiated by CAA, Simon Andreae and Submarine on behalf of the filmmakers.

Following its theatrical engagement, IN THE SHADOW OF THE MOON will have its television premiere on Discovery Channel and Discovery HD Theater.

Founded by David Sington in 1999, London-based DOX Productions Ltd. has produced award-winning documentary films for 30 different broadcasters in 22 countries.